Paulie’s Quick Ash Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Gold Label

Good as Gold

The Gold Label isn't just another addition to the vast Rocky Patel portfolio—it’s a dynamite new blend marrying luxury and approachability. This premium is the latest example of Rocky’s ability to craft statement cigars that deliver refined smoking experiences—and Gold Label stands out for finding the sweet spot between sophistication and sensibility.

Read on to discover if this blend is worth its weight in gold.

Rocky Patel Gold Label Quick Ash Cigar Review

The Specs

Factory: Tabacalera Villa Cuba, SA (Tavicusa), Nicaragua
Size: 5” x 50 Robusto
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Ecuadorian Connecticut Seed, US Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaraguan

Presentation: 20-count box

Behind the Blend

The Gold Label’s rather sharp box press and dark Ecuador Habano wrapper gives the impression of a classic Hershey bar. That’s after you remove the sizeable gold secondary cigar band. Beneath the wrapper, the remainder of the blend consists of dual binders from Ecuador and the United States over Nicaraguan long fillers.

The blend profile promises fireworks with each component picked to accent and complement the rest. The spicy, earthy wrapper is complemented by the leather, minerality, and sweetness found in the dual binders while the Nicaraguan long fillers tie the blend together in a whirl of spice, pepper, cream, coffee, and leather.

Fasten your seatbelts!

The Cheat Sheet

What a beginning—black pepper, coffee, and leather get things under way. Ample smoke production and an airy draw set the stage for this barn burner. Earth is prominent throughout with undercurrents of cream and some assorted nuttiness announcing their presence as the smoke progresses. While not overly complex, Gold Label is consistent in flavor and construction.

And speaking of construction, the double binder serves 2 purposes: it presents additional flavors and helps to keep the burn in check. That latter point is especially important - with a cigar so sharply box pressed, sometimes construction problems and other issues can arise. While your mileage may vary, overall, I found the RP Gold Label performed admirably.

The Last Word

Rather than breaking the Rocky Patel Gold Label down into thirds, here’s a quick rundown of the high point (s), low point (s) and what surprised me.

• High: Balanced and rich flavors.
• Low: It’s a relatively straightforward smoke.
• Whoa: Consistency

For a lot of enthusiasts out there, the Rocky Patel Gold Label will check all the boxes. It’s reasonably priced with a rich flavor profile that doesn’t need any special care and feeding. As in, you can just smoke it and relax. All in all, it offers a consistent—if not necessarily complex—experience.

I want to take a moment to expand on the issue of complexity. Although the term gets thrown around a lot, it isn’t the measuring stick for a quality cigar to me— the enjoyment is. Or should be. And with that, I’ll say that I enjoyed RP Gold Label for what it was—a good cigar. And if you’re looking for a moderately priced blend that’s both medium-plus in body and approachable, I’d bet you’ll enjoy Gold Label too.

Pro Tip: If you enjoy beer, a porter or stout enhances the cigar’s chocolate and espresso flavors. Otherwise, whiskey or coffee will do the trick admirably.